Looking for the best broccoli salad recipes? Whether you want a classic creamy version, a healthy dairy-free option, or a tangy Asian-inspired salad, we’ve got you covered!
Broccoli salad is a nutritious, crunchy, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for barbecues, potlucks, meal prepping, or a quick side dish. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, broccoli makes for a refreshing and satisfying salad base.
In this article, we’ll share delicious and simple broccoli salad recipes, along with expert tips to make them even better!
1. Classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon & Cheese
A creamy and crunchy broccoli salad recipe with bacon, cheddar cheese, and a sweet-tangy dressing.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, bacon, cheese, red onion, and sunflower seeds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey.
- Pour dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss well.
- Season with salt and pepper. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
👉 Tip: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a healthier version!
2. Healthy Broccoli Salad (Dairy-Free & Vegan)
A light and nutritious broccoli salad recipe with a creamy avocado dressing.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- ½ cup almonds, sliced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix broccoli, almonds, cranberries, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, mash avocado and mix with lemon juice and olive oil.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss well.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
👉 Tip: Add chickpeas for extra protein and fiber!
3. Asian Sesame Broccoli Salad
A crunchy and flavorful broccoli salad recipe with an Asian-inspired sesame dressing.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped
- ¼ cup cashews, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix broccoli, carrots, green onions, cashews, and sesame seeds.
- In a separate bowl, whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss well.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
👉 Tip: Add grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal!
4. Broccoli & Cauliflower Salad with Ranch Dressing
A creamy and satisfying broccoli salad recipe with cauliflower, bacon, and a ranch dressing.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cauliflower, bacon, cheese, and red onion.
- Pour ranch dressing and apple cider vinegar over the mixture. Toss well.
- Season with salt and pepper. Chill before serving.
👉 Tip: Use a homemade ranch dressing for a healthier option!
5. Warm Garlic Broccoli Salad with Parmesan
A simple and flavorful warm broccoli salad recipe with garlic and parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add broccoli and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
👉 Tip: Add red pepper flakes for extra spice!
Tips for Making the Best Broccoli Salad
✔ Use Fresh Broccoli – Raw broccoli gives the best crunch, but you can blanch it for a softer texture.
✔ Let It Sit – Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to blend.
✔ Balance the Flavors – Mix crunchy, creamy, sweet, and tangy ingredients for the best taste.
✔ Experiment with Dressings – Try Greek yogurt, avocado, olive oil, or a vinaigrette instead of mayo.
✔ Make It a Meal – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
These broccoli salad recipes are healthy, delicious, and easy to make. Whether you love a classic creamy broccoli salad, a crunchy Asian-inspired dish, or a fresh avocado-based version, there’s something for everyone!